Application Phase

The first steps to becoming a Longview Firefighter/Paramedic include meeting the minimum qualifications, submitting an application to take the entrance exam, successfully completing the entrance exam, and being placed on the eligibility list.

Depending on current hiring needs, there are two levels at which an applicant may apply:

Fire Apprentice

Firefighter (Entry)

For information regarding the general requirements, please click here.

Fire Apprentice (for more information on this Program click here)
Serves in a training capacity to observe and assist experienced Firefighters, and complete classroom and field training in the fundamental principles of firefighting and emergency medical services for certification as a firefighter/paramedic for the Longview Fire Department (LFD).

Examples of Duties:
Attends and completes classroom and field training, including LFD organization, rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Attends classes and skill­ based training in fire hose practices, alarms and communication, rescue operations, fire apparatus operation, building construction, and emergency medical services. Participates in daily physical training including drills, simulations and event training. Observes and assists experienced Firefighters to learn fire and rescue tactics, patient care, safety and survival techniques, ladder operations and hose deployment, engine and ambulance operation and maintenance, hazardous materials awareness, computer and communications systems procedures, property salvage and security guidelines, incident reporting and administrative recordkeeping. Follows departmental regulations, policies and procedures. Learns to maintain LFD facilities, vehicles and equipment in clean and effective operating order. Performs a variety of general administrative and support duties as assigned. Learns City geography, traffic patterns, streets, landmarks and building locations, and special hazards of designated facilities, to assure that firefighting activities are accomplished in a fast, effective and safe manner. May respond to emergency incidents as instructed by the supervisor. Performs other related duties as assigned or required.

Physical Demands/Work Environment:
Work is performed outdoors and indoors at emergency incident sites, and in fire station facilities; requires strenuous physical efforts, and ability to lift and move items weighing up to one hundred (100) pounds; may be exposed to environmental fumes, hazardous chemicals, communicable diseases and potential physical harm. Must be able to work during weekdays, weekends, and holidays on any assigned shift. Must maintain a level of physical fitness to meet Department standards.

Firefighter
Performs firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical duties as required to protect the lives and property of the City residents; maintains Longview Fire Department (LFD) equipment and facilities.

Examples of Duties:
Inspects and maintains LFD facilities, vehicles, equipment, apparatus, tools, supplies and hydrants; inspects, tests, evaluates and repairs equipment after use; notifies supervisors of equipment problems beyond the scope of authority or skills. Inspects and maintains personal protective equipment and assures that all firefighting equipment is in a state of readiness and available for immediate use. Responds to emergency alarms and calls for service, and performs fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical duties as required to control emergency incidents; follows orders under stressful conditions, and relays orders, instructions and information on team actions. Operates emergency, fire, rescue, medical and life saving tools and equipment; assists and coordinates with law enforcement personnel and other responders; extracts victims from accident sites and hazardous situations; enters burning buildings to extinguish fires and rescue victims. Preserves property and mitigates hazards, emergency situations and hazardous materials incidents; performs salvage and clean­up activities at fire and emergency scenes. Maintains LFD station and living quarters in clean and orderly condition; operates, inspects and maintains ambulance and other fire equipment; performs minor repairs on apparatus and equipment inside and outside of facilities; orders replacement supplies as needed. Studies City geography, traffic patterns, streets, landmarks, building locations, and special hazards of designated facilities, in order to perform duties in a fast and effective manner. Prepares and maintains departmental records; may assist with inspection of buildings for fire hazards and compliance with fire prevention ordinances. Conducts public education sessions for a wide variety of audiences; participates in fire prevention, pre-­fire planning and safety programs; assists with training of citizens and volunteer staff as assigned. Attends training programs to continuously update work skills and knowledge. Performs other related duties as assigned or required.

Physical Demands/Work Environment:
Work is performed outdoors and indoors at emergency incident sites, and in fire station facilities; requires strenuous physical efforts and ability to lift and move items weighing up to one hundred (100) pounds; may be exposed to environmental fumes, hazardous chemicals, communicable diseases and potential physical harm. Must be able to work during weekdays, weekends, and holidays on any assigned shift. Must maintain a level of physical fitness to meet Department standards.

In both positions, Fire Apprentice & Firefighter (Entry), the applicant will be required to complete a City of Longview application as well as a Supplemental application solely for the fire department. Both applications must be completed online. LFD does not accept any applications in paper form. Applications are not accepted year round; they are only accepted during an open hiring process. Job announcements are generally made in local newspapers, city website, fire department website, and possibly other types of media forms such as radio, etc. Interested candidates may also fill out a Job Interest Card which will notify them immediately should a hiring process begin.

Written Exam
The Longview Fire Department posts official notices on this website announcing dates for taking the written examination for a given hiring process. In order to take the exam, applicants must first have submitted a complete application.

LFD usually holds tutorial sessions prior to the official test – information concerning the details of this tutorial are found with the applicable job announcement.

Applicants must pass the written examination with a minimum score of 70%. The exam location is also listed in the applicable job announcement. This is not a civil service exam.

Results of the exam are posted on our website generally within the same day of testing. Candidates will be informed of their “pass/fail” status and may identify themselves by the last four digits of their SSN. No names will be listed. If an applicant wishes to further review their testing results, they may notify the Training Chief as early as possible after completion.

Physical Ability Testing
Applicants who successfully complete the written exam with a 70% score or above may then become eligible to participate in the physical ability test. As with the written test, a tutorial is offered for this test as well. Detailed information concerning dates, times, and locations will be posted with the applicable job announcement.

An overview of the physical ability test may be found by clicking here.

At this point, the processing of applicants continues to the next phase: Candidate Phase.